The 28 year-old hooker is one of the longest-serving members of the Saints first team squad having plied his trade at Franklin’s Gardens for nine years.

He was brought to the Saints Academy from Bath by Brett Taylor in 1998. And since making his first team debut in the Tetley’s Bitter Cup in November 2000 against Birmingham/Solihull Richmond has made 118 appearances – including the 2002 Powergen Cup Final – and scored five tries.

“When I left school all I wanted to be was a professional rugby player,” he says. “And when Brett Taylor brought me to Franklin’s Gardens the Saints gave me the opportunity to achieve that.

“There have been a lot of changes at the club in my time here. All you have to do is look around the ground to see that! But I’ve played alongside some amazing world class players, run out at Twickenham and played my hundredth game – every one of which has been special.

“But the club has been more than that to me. I’ve made some great mates and the club’s been fantastic in helping myself and my wife Katherine set up our jewellery business Wear Your Colours.”

This season Richmond’s appearances have been primarily in the Guinness ‘A’ League where he has regularly skippered sides containing members of the latest Saints Senior Academy. He has enjoyed helping the youngsters develop and is looking forward to continuing that in the future.

“When I first started playing here I was playing with some seasoned players and learning from them,” he says. “And I hope I’ve passed on something similar to the next generation, the likes of Joe Gray. And coaching is something I’d definitely like to do in the future.”

“Dan’s been a big part of the club for nine years,” said head coach Paul Grayson. “And I played a lot of games with him. His competitive nature has kept him in professional rugby for a long time.

“He’s a good player and I wish him well for the future.”